Gardaí are urging people to keep their lights on at home in an effort to reduce the amount of burglaries. The National Crime Prevention Unit asks homeowners to leave their outside lights on.
The message comes after Gardaí launch the second “Supporting Safer Communities” campaign of 2015. The focus of the campaign is on burglary, crime prevention and reduction.
“Darker evenings expose homes that are not well lit or appear unoccupied. Buildings that have the appearance of looking vacant are more vulnerable to burglary. Security lighting can help reduce crime and act as an effective deterrent to burglars.” said Sergeant Kelvin Courtney.
Sgt Courtney said that in November last year there was over twice as many residential burglaries between 5pm and 10pm compared to the same time last June.
Last year over 200 sets of keys were fished through letterboxes or through open windows. Gardaí said in one in every five burglaries, thieves have walked through an open door or climbed though an open window.